Students line the halls, computers open, reviewing the material they learned across the entire second semester. This is what finals week looks like.
This year, the school has implemented a five-day exam period. From May 29 to June 4, students take exams across English, math, history, science, language, art, and other electives.
This raises the question: is finals week a positive thing? Is it good to stress students out and risk tanking grades all to have a cumulative exam on material in the second semester?
One of the biggest drawbacks of an exam period is the stress it causes students. Stress, often called a silent killer, is a large problem for today’s youth.
Stress can be bad for health, and it is important to minimize it. It spikes cortisol, which has many long-term effects.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “having too much cortisol in your blood can lead to inflammation, a weakened immune system, and unbalanced hormones.”
However, this stress is over a relatively short period, minimizing the risk of any problems.
One could argue that since universities and other schools have exam periods similar to what we have this year, we are prepared for future education.
One of the biggest factors in debating finals week is the fact that it can make or break a student’s grade.
If students were diligent about getting work in, studying for tests, and understanding the material, they would likely have a good grade going into the exam.
However, if they had an off day on the day of the exam or ran out of time on the exam, it would be detrimental to the grades they worked so hard for.
Also, if they did not have a superb retention of material, it would be more difficult for them to do well on the exam.
However, it also works the other way. If they did not put in the work throughout the semester, but they took the time during the exam period, they would likely have a significant boost to their grade.
People shouldn’t be defined by their mistakes, and finals week gives students who made mistakes academically a chance to redeem themselves.
In terms of a learning perspective, an exam period seems positive. It forces students to relearn material, which allows them to retain more of what they learned.
It ensures that students review material that they may have forgotten after they finish the respective unit. If this material is used in future courses, students must remember more of the information.
Fourth Former Avery Paul said, “I personally don’t like having finals. I always am concerned about my tests, and I find it very difficult to enjoy life during this time.”
Many agree with Paul. They see finals as something extremely negative for their lives and for the community. However, others think it is important.
“It allows me to remember and relearn things that I otherwise would have forgotten,” Fourth Former Joseph Kahana said. “It also gives me more control over my grades in the final stretch.”
